Baltics to recognize pro Russia ’republics’ as terrorist organizations

The Baltic states are prepared to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk ''republics'' in Ukraine as terrorist organizations, diplomats in Kiev have said.

''The Latvian Foreign Ministry has already stated that it is prepared to do this,'' Latvian Ambassador to Ukraine Argita Daudze said during a press briefing in Kiev.

The Estonia and Lithuanian ambassadors to Ukraine also said that they support recognizing the two ''republics'' as terrorist organizations.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office declared the Donetsk and Luhansk ''republics'' as terrorist organizations on May 16, Ukrinform reports.

Last week, 19 U.S. senators requested that U.S. President Barack Obama declare the Donetsk and Luhansk ''republics'' as terrorist organizations.

Support in the Baltics for the actions of pro Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine hasn't been light hearted however. A group of volunteers from Latvia headed to eastern Ukraine last week to join pro Russia forces.

A car in Riga was photographed flying the flag of the Donetsk Oeople's Republic earlier this week leading to an outpouring of for and against comments from readers. 

Rezekne based Beness Aijo has also been placed under intense police watch after being pictured in Crimea during its annexation by Russia.

A recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report stated the Baltics and Belarus would feel the worst affect of recent EU sanctions against Russia due to its close proximity to the region.

(Edited by Rayyan Sabet-Parry)